On Tuesday, 12th November, Ruthin Arts Network (RAN) organised an evening of inspiration and collaboration for local artists and creatives.
Bethan M. Hughes, a textiles artist, and Artist in Residence at Ruthin Craft Centre, gave a fascinating talk about her journey as an artist and the wonderful projects she has been involved in. A former librarian, Bethan Hughes changed career to become a full-time artist working through the medium of stitch, thread and textiles.
Bethan commented: “I was delighted to be invited to speak at the meeting and to share my practice and recent projects with the network members. Whatever our area of creativity, it's always inspiring to hear from other artists about their own medium, their sources of inspiration and how they use their creative skills. I shared my experience as the current Artist in Residence at Ruthin Craft Centre, and about my quilt-making which I use as a voice to explore democracy, identity and campaigning. I also spoke about two community creative projects I ran this year inspired by the Welsh Women's Peace Petition of 1923/4. It was great to have a discussion in response to questions from the audience, and then to network over a glass of wine! Diolch to the network for the opportunity.”
Recently, Bethan received a commission by sponsors Siop y Siswrn to create the prizes for Gŵyl Aled, the national Cerdd Dant festival, held in Mold. You can read more about Bethan’s exciting work here: https://bethanmhughes.wordpress.com/
RAN would like to thank Bethan for her insightful talk in Cymraeg, and Marion Rees for her excellent live translation during the evening. (The photo of Bethan is taken by photographer Dewi Tannatt Lloyd.)
Following the talk, attendees gathered in small groups to discuss their own artistic journeys and to get to know each other better. It was great to hear about the work in sculpting, writing, music, film, furniture making, art, dance and textiles that is going on locally, and the participants said they would like more evenings like this where they could spark ideas off each other and plan future collaborations.
Adam Young is the Events Manager at Ruthin Market Hall, and his own artistic practice is in Live Art, Social Practice and Installation. Adam thoroughly enjoyed the evening hosted by RAN, and said: “Hearing Bethan talk about her practice, thinking and methodology was incredibly inspiring to me as I have myself taken a break from my own artistic work in recent years. Being able to gather in person with other creative folks, especially as someone relatively new to the town, is invaluable to make contacts and find out what other people are working on. I can see in RAN the potential to become a vital part of driving forward new collaboration between members and organisations alike.”
Ruthin Arts Network hope to plan a similar event early next year. You can find out more about RAN here: https://ruthinartsnetwork.wales/